Florida Upsets No. 22 Texas 2-1

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The first two collegiate goals by senior Lauren Donovan gave Florida the needed margin in its 2-1 upset over No. 22 Texas./a>
 
The Gators opened Southeastern Conference home action Friday evening in front of a boisterous Donald R. Dizney Stadium record soccer crowd of 1,412.
 
Friday’s Scoring:
Donovan’s first collegiate goal gave the Gators an early lead. Vera Blom’s corner kick to the near post was headed in by Donovan in the second minute. It was the earliest Gator goal this season.
 

Off the head 🤯

🔷 @laurendon11 opens up the scoring for the Gators with the first of her career!#GoGators | 💻 SECN+ pic.twitter.com/aw6g2mrZug

— Gators Soccer (@GatorsSoccer) October 4, 2024

Donovan made it a brace in the 66^th minute. The play started when Lena Bailey sent a centering ball to the middle of the box. The ball bounced around and came off a Texas defender right to Donovan at the far upper corner of the box. She settled the ball before sending a right-footed scoring shot to the far post corner.

And that’s 2!

🔷@laurendon11 is the 21st in UF history with a brace in match with first Gator goal!

⚽️1:25

⚽️65:36#GoGators | 💻SECN+ pic.twitter.com/6w3QUB0bGf

— Gators Soccer (@GatorsSoccer) October 5, 2024

 
Texas was awarded a penalty kick in the 52^nd minute but Lexi Missimo’s shot kicked off the crossbar.
 
The Longhorns cut the lead in half in the 78^th minute soon after a short shower started at Dizney Stadium. Jilly Shimkin’s centering ball to Missimo…